Transfer News: PSG lead Manchester United in Lionel Messi pursuit

Fans’ dream of seeing Lionel Messi in a Manchester United shirt is close to being over. According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required), PSG are now close to landing the Argentine international this summer.

The footballing world came to a standstill when Barcelona announced that Messi would not continue his journey with Barca from this season. The Argentine was effectively a free agent when his contract expired this summer.

But after the announcement from the Catalan giants, PSG have moved fast to land the 34-year-old superstar. The report says that there is believed to have been some interest from the Red Devils as well.

In fact, speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast (h/t Express), journalist Ian McGarry also claimed that there had been some contact between the Red Devils and the representatives of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, with a contract being proposed as well.

However, Les Parisiens are close to landing themselves one of the greatest players in the history of football. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have scheduled a meeting with Messi’s father, Jorge, and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to don Paris’ jersey this season.

Sancho and Varane offer optimism

Despite being 34, Messi is still producing his magic domestically and in Europe. His performances for Argentina that led them to the Copa Americal trophy this summer won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

But not everything can go in United’s favour and fans should be optimistic about their progressions made during this summer window. The club, firstly, put an end to the long Jadon Sancho saga by signing the English winger from Borussia Dortmund.

After strengthening in attack, the club have now agreed on a deal for Real Madrid superstar, Raphael Varane. And as of now, the club is yet to lose any of its important first-team players.

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That is enough cause for fans to be positive about the new campaign ahead and Messi or not, there should be a real belief that the club can end their trophy drought under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.